Going green isn't just a fad. It's a way of life. Our choices of shopping bags, wardrobe, food products, and even cosmetics affect the environment, either contributing or lessening our carbon footprint. Leading an environment-friendly lifestyle starts with every individual, but corporations can take this a step further by promoting green practices in the workplace.

Here are some ways to encourage green practices in the office:

Reduce carbon footprint by going energy-efficient. Promotional eco-friendly items like solar-powered calculators and crank-up flashlights offer practical benefits while encouraging users to conserve energy.

Run green promotional campaigns. Eco-friendly logo items such as recycled notepads, rulers, stadium cups, screen dusters, office clips, picture frames, and mugs build brand visibility sans the environmental impact.

Encourage employees to leave the car at home one day a week. It involves much personal sacrifice to give up the convenience of driving and taking public transportation, but doing so means lesser contribution to global warming. If leaving the car home is difficult to do, how about . . .

Make one day a week a bike-to-work day. Not only is biking a good form of exercise, it also does not emit carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate changes. Instead of driving out of town for a company outing, why not explore the locality on a bike? It's a good way to bond while getting close to nature.

Choose recycled any time. Your purchase of recycled items supports the supply chain while saving landfill space and new resources to manufacture new products. For promotional campaigns, eco-friendly home items like handy caddies, primary care thermometers, swatters, and pails are effective in building brand recognition.

Spread the word. Overhauling our high-impact lifestyle starts with one but will escalate with the support of minions. Get backup from everyone in the office. Give out promotional stickers and similar items imprinted with eco-friendly tips to people you meet. Make it a conscious effort to choose green products and encourage others to do the same.